Loved ones to gather to farewell teen hiker Lily Hooper after tragic Nattai National Park death

Family, friends and loved ones of teenager hiker Lily Hooper farewell the “fearless” 18-year-old on Thursday, after her death on a solo hike in rugged NSW bushland gripped Australia.

The Lily from Oakdale will be remembered not only for the heartbreaking circumstances of her death, but for the warmth, energy and fearless spirit that family and friends have described in the days since she was found.

Lily disappeared after setting out alone on a walk in Nattai National Park on August 12.

Her car was later found near the trailhead, sparking a major search involving police, the SES, volunteers and specialist crews working through dense and difficult terrain.

Eight days later, her body was located in bushland – ending a desperate search that had drawn widespread public attention and left her family clinging to hope.

In an update after her death, her mother Kirrily Hooper told The Daily Telegraph preliminary reports indicated Lily had suffered a fall on the first afternoon.

“She died the day she went missing and was found lying peacefully in dense bushland,” Ms Hooper said.

“In hindsight we now know she passed quickly and she didn’t suffer in the cold.”

Those closest to Lily have painted a picture of a young woman who lived boldly and left a lasting mark on the people around her.

Her mother described her as “a headstrong, independent, fearless girl”, qualities that made her who she was, but also, she believed, “left her vulnerable to misadventure”.

Lily had worked as a Sydney BridgeClimb guide, where she was remembered as “an absolute delight” who “lit up every space with her smile and enthusiasm”.

Last month, a community memorial in Oakdale drew hundreds of people, with candles, flowers and purple lights honouring a teenager many described as bright, kind and full of promise.

Lily’s death has also sparked fresh discussion about bush safety, with her parents hoping her legacy will encourage young hikers to think carefully before heading into remote areas alone.

Her father, Jim Hooper, has also spoken of turning that grief into something lasting, floating the idea of “Lily’s Law” to build awareness around safety devices and preparation in the bush.